Loadmac 855 vs Moffett M8 & Princeton PBX Truck Mounted Forklifts
Moffett forklifts, the first mover within the category of truck mouted forklifts. A Moffett forklift is one of the most recognized types of truck mounted forklift material handling equipment used in delivery operations. These machines—often called a Moffett lift truck, Moffett fork truck, or Moffett forklift truck—are designed to mount on the back of a flatbed truck and travel directly with the load.
Instead of waiting for a forklift at the delivery site, the driver arrives with a forklift already attached to the truck. In most cases, the operator can mount or dismount the forklift in about a minute, allowing one person to unload building materials, pallets, and heavy products efficiently.
This simple concept changed the delivery industry decades ago, and today Moffett forklifts remain one of the most widely used truck mounted forklift systems in construction supply, lumber distribution, agriculture, and logistics.
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What Are Moffett Forklifts?
A Moffett forklift truck is a compact forklift designed specifically to be transported on the rear of a delivery truck or trailer. These machines are sometimes referred to as piggyback forklifts because they ride on the truck during transport. The original design was developed under the MOFFETT brand, which today is manufactured by the Moffett brand at Hiab Once the truck arrives at the jobsite:- The operator dismounts the forklift from the truck.
- The forklift unloads pallets or materials.
- The machine remounts to the truck for the next delivery.
Why Moffett Forklifts Became Popular
The popularity of the Moffett fork truck comes down to a few practical advantages that delivery companies appreciate immediately.
1. With A Moffett Lift Truck, One Operator Can Handle Delivery and Unloading
Instead of needing a second forklift operator on site, with a Moffett forklift trucks, a single driver can complete the entire delivery process.
2. A Moffett Fork Truck Is Faster For Jobsite Deliveries
With a Moffett forklift truck attached to the truck, materials can be unloaded almost anywhere—even locations without loading docks.
3. A Moffett Forklift Works on Rough Terrain
Truck mounted forklifts often feature large tires and all-wheel drive that allow them to operate on gravel, dirt, mud, and uneven jobsite conditions.
4. Moffett Forklift Truck: More Payload on the Truck
Many Moffett forklifts are designed to be compact and efficient, allowing trucks to carry product while still transporting the forklift.
5. A Moffett Fork Truck Is Efficient Last-Mile Delivery
For industries delivering lumber, brick, block, roofing, gas cylinders, or palletized materials, a Moffett forklift truck dramatically speeds up unloading.
Common Moffett Forklift Models
Several series of Moffett forklifts are designed to handle different delivery environments and load capacities.
Moffett M4 Series
The Moffett M4 forklift is designed for lighter loads and urban deliveries. These machines are compact and maneuverable, making them ideal for tight spaces or congested job sites.- Capacity around 3,000–4,500 lbs
- Compact frame
- Excellent maneuverability
- Ideal for urban delivery routes
Moffett M5 Series
The Moffett M5 lift truck handles medium-duty loads and is commonly used in building supply delivery operations.
- Around 5,000 lb capacity
- Compact size for tight job sites
- Common choice for construction supply delivery
Moffett M8 Series
The Moffett M8 forklift truck is one of the most common heavy-duty truck mounted forklifts used in North America.- Approximately 5,500–8,000 lb lifting capacity
- Strong diesel-powered performance
- 4-way steering options for handling long loads like lumber
Moffett M9 Series
The Moffett M9 fork truck is designed for specialized applications requiring higher lifting capacity or low-profile operation.- Heavy lift capability
- Low overhead design options
- Applications in agriculture and specialized industries
Key Features of Moffett Forklifts
Most Moffett lift trucks share several design features that make them effective for delivery operations.
Moffett Forklifts Are All-Wheel Drive
Allows the Moffett forklift truck to operate on rough terrain, gravel yards, construction sites, and muddy areas.
Moffett Lift Truck Compact Design
Truck mounted forklifts must be compact enough to ride on the back of a truck while still lifting heavy loads.
Quick Mounting System
Most Moffett fork trucks can mount or dismount from the truck quickly, which helps speed up delivery routes.
Moffett Forklift Truck Has Available 4-Way Steering
Some models allow sideways travel, making it easier to move long loads such as lumber, pipe, or other bulky material through tight yards.
Pantograph Reach Systems
Certain models use a reach system that allows unloading from the same side of the truck without repositioning.
Industries That Use Moffett Lift Truck
The Moffett forklift truck is widely used in industries that deliver heavy palletized materials.
- Lumber yards
- Building supply companies
- Brick and block manufacturers
- Roofing distributors
- Agriculture suppliers
- Industrial gas distributors
- Beverage and general distribution logistics
These industries rely on Moffett forklifts because deliveries often occur in locations without forklifts available.
How to Choose the Right Moffett Lift Truck
If your company is considering a Moffett forklift, there are several practical factors to consider.
Load Capacity
Start by determining the heaviest pallets your deliveries require.
Reach and Mast Height
Most Moffett lift trucks offer mast heights around 10–12 feet, which is adequate for unloading pallets from flatbed trucks.
Terrain Conditions
If deliveries occur in muddy yards, farms, rough jobsites, or off-road locations, rough-terrain capability becomes critical.
Truck Compatibility
Your truck frame, axle ratings, and weight distribution must support the forklift properly.
Service and Parts Support
Availability of parts and qualified service technicians is essential for minimizing downtime.
Moffett Forklifts and the Truck Mounted Forklift Market
The truck mounted forklift market continues to grow because companies want to reduce delivery labor costs and improve jobsite efficiency.
In many operations, a Moffett forklift truck effectively replaces two pieces of equipment:
- A delivery truck
- A jobsite forklift
That combination helps reduce delays and improve productivity.
Looking Beyond Moffett Forklifts
While Moffett forklifts are widely recognized in the industry, they are part of a broader category of equipment called truck mounted forklifts.
Other manufacturers—including newer competitors—have introduced alternative designs that focus on:
- Lower machine weight
- Increased reach
- Reduced rear overhang
- Improved operator visibility
Depending on your delivery operation, these factors can make a significant difference in day-to-day performance.
Considering Alternatives to Moffett Forklifts
While Moffett forklifts are widely known in the truck-mounted forklift industry, they are not the only option available today. In recent years, other manufacturers have introduced designs that solve some of the practical challenges operators experience in daily delivery work.
One brand that is gaining attention in the United States is Loadmac.
Loadmac produces a range of truck-mounted forklifts designed for the same delivery environments where a Moffett forklift truck is typically used—construction supply, brick and block distribution, lumber yards, and industrial deliveries. However, many operators notice a few key differences in design and performance once they see a Loadmac machine in person.
Loadmac Truck Mounted Forklifts
Loadmac forklifts are engineered specifically for demanding delivery environments. Two models in particular compete directly with many of the most common Moffett forklifts used in North America.
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Loadmac 855
The Loadmac 855 is the company’s most popular model and competes directly with many mid-to-heavy capacity Moffett lift truck models.- Extended Panograph reach system as a standard feature
- Strong lifting capacity for building materials and palletized loads
- Stable design with a fixed mast and tilt/shift carriage
- Lower center of gravity for improved stability
- Lighter overall machine weight compared to many competing models
- Compact design that reduces rear overhang when mounted on the truck
Loadmac 255
The Loadmac 255 is designed for lighter deliveries and operations where a compact forklift is preferred. Typical applications include:- Lumber yard deliveries
- Agricultural supply distribution
- Construction materials delivery
- Urban jobsite unloading
Why Some Companies Compare Loadmac and Moffett Forklifts
Delivery companies that evaluate both brands often compare several practical factors:
- Machine weight – lighter forklifts allow trucks to carry more payload
- Reach capability – extended reach systems can simplify unloading
- Rear overhang – shorter machines reduce stress on the truck frame
- Operator visibility – lower hood profiles improve sightlines
- Service access – easier maintenance reduces downtime
These are the kinds of details that do not always show up on a spec sheet but become obvious once the forklift is actually working on deliveries.
The Best Way to Understand the Difference
Anyone researching Moffett forklifts, Moffett fork trucks, or other truck mounted forklifts will eventually notice that specifications alone rarely tell the whole story.
The biggest differences between machines usually become clear when you see them operate in the real world—loading pallets, climbing grades, maneuvering through tight delivery sites, and working in rough terrain.
That is why many equipment buyers prefer to see both machines side-by-side before deciding which forklift fits their operation best.
Loadmac vs Moffett Forklifts: A Truck Mounted Forklift Comparison
Companies researching Moffett forklifts often eventually compare them with other truck-mounted forklift brands. One comparison that is becoming more common in North America is Loadmac vs Moffett forklift.
Both machines fall into the same category of equipment: a truck mounted forklift designed to travel on the back of a delivery truck and unload materials at the jobsite.
However, the design philosophy of the two machines is somewhat different.
Key Differences Between Loadmac and Moffett Forklifts
| Feature | Loadmac 855 | Typical Moffett Forklift |
|---|---|---|
| Reach system | Panograph reach standard | Often optional |
| Machine weight | Typically lighter | Often heavier depending on configuration |
| Mast design | Fixed mast with tilt/shift carriage | Traditional tilting mast |
| Rear overhang | Shorter design | Longer in many models |
| Visibility | Lower profile hood | Taller hood design |
| Stability | Lower center of gravity | Higher center of gravity on some models |
For many delivery companies, these design differences can affect real-world operation more than raw lifting capacity numbers.
For example:
- Lower machine weight means the truck can legally carry more product.
- Extended reach systems can simplify unloading pallets from the same side of the truck.
- Shorter rear overhang reduces leverage stress on the truck frame.
In practice, these factors often determine how efficient the forklift is during daily deliveries.
Moffett Alternative: Why Some Companies Consider Loadmac
If you are searching for a Moffett alternative, you are likely evaluating truck mounted forklifts for a delivery fleet, construction supply company, lumber yard, or industrial distribution operation.
For many companies, the main goal is simple:
Unload deliveries faster, safer, and with fewer people.
While Moffett forklifts have been widely used for decades, several newer manufacturers have introduced designs that focus on improving the same core concept.
Loadmac is one of the brands that companies often evaluate as a Moffett forklift alternative.
Reasons Companies Look for a Moffett Alternative
1. Weight and Payload Efficiency
Truck-mounted forklifts directly affect the payload capacity of the delivery truck. Lighter machines allow companies to carry more product per load.
2. Reach and Unloading Flexibility
Some forklifts allow operators to unload from the same side of the truck without repositioning the vehicle, which speeds up deliveries.
3. Maneuverability
Job sites often involve tight access points, rough terrain, and limited space.
4. Visibility and Operator Comfort
Forklift visibility can have a significant impact on jobsite safety and efficiency.
Loadmac 855: A Direct Competitor to Many Moffett Forklifts
The Loadmac 855 competes directly with many mid-capacity Moffett lift truck models commonly used in building material delivery.
Key highlights of the Loadmac 855 include:
- Standard Panograph reach system
- Strong lifting capacity for palletized materials
- Lower center of gravity for improved stability
- Up to 2,200 pounds lighter than some comparable machines
- Sleek modern design with excellent visibility
Because the reach system is standard equipment, many operators find the machine easier to use when unloading building materials, brick, and lumber.
Loadmac 255: Compact Truck Mounted Forklift Alternative
The Loadmac 255 is designed for lighter deliveries and operations that require a compact forklift.
Typical applications include:
- Lumber yard deliveries
- Agricultural supply distribution
- Landscaping supply deliveries
- Construction materials delivery
The Loadmac 255 offers the rugged off-road capability expected from a truck mounted fork truck, while maintaining a compact footprint for tight delivery locations.
Seeing the Difference in the Real World
Anyone researching Moffett forklifts, Moffett forklift trucks, or other truck mounted forklifts will eventually realize something important:
Specifications only tell part of the story.
The real difference between machines usually becomes clear when operators actually run them in real delivery conditions:
- Unloading pallets
- Climbing jobsite grades
- Maneuvering through tight spaces
- Working in mud, gravel, or uneven terrain
That is why many delivery companies prefer to see both machines in operation before deciding which truck mounted forklift fits their fleet best.
Final Thoughts on Moffett Forklifts
A Moffett forklift remains one of the most recognizable truck mounted forklifts used in delivery operations around the world. These machines allow drivers to unload materials quickly, operate on rough terrain, and complete deliveries without relying on additional equipment at the jobsite.
For industries that depend on fast, efficient delivery of palletized materials, a Moffett lift truck or similar truck mounted forklift system continues to be a practical and proven solution.
At the same time, companies evaluating a Moffett alternative should take a hard look at newer designs like the Loadmac 855 and Loadmac 255. In this market, a few hundred pounds here, a little more reach there, and better balance on the back of the truck can make a bigger difference than the brochure boys like to admit.